The secretive plan to build a Maine data center collapsed in 6 days

A $300 million artificial intelligence data center proposed for the Bates Mill in Lewiston, Maine, was unanimously voted down by the city council in December following swift public backlash. City councilors, including Scott Harriman and President David Chittim, received the detailed proposal only a month before the pivotal vote, releasing details to the public just six days prior. This expedited timeline and the developer's request for confidentiality, citing competitive reasons, sparked outrage among residents. Lewiston City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath and acting economic development director John Blais noted that developers are attracted to Maine's power grid and fiber infrastructure but are deterred by rigorous public processes. Developer Bill Johnson, who did not respond to comment requests, had sought a 90% tax break for 10 years and needed quick approval to secure a tenant for the vacant mill. Concerns centered on the project's potential environmental impacts, massive power and water consumption for AI data centers, and the relatively low number of jobs (30) compared to the mill's historical employment. The Lewiston decision came a month after Wiscasset officials effectively halted a $5 billion data center project there, also due to resident opposition and issues with a non-disclosure agreement. Maine lawmakers are now considering a statewide moratorium on data centers through 2027, further scaring away potential developers. Officials in Lewiston acknowledge the need for greater transparency and public input in future development projects, recognizing that secretive planning leads to public pushback.